Residential Solar PV
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPVs) are installed to update conventional building materials in roofs, skylights and facades. BIPVs not only serve as a material for the building envelope, they also generate renewable energy which saves energy costs and reduces a building’s carbon footprint.
BIPVs are integrated in the construction of new buildings for a principle or auxiliary source of electricity. Existing buildings can be retrofitted with similar technology.
Photovoltaics experts Solarcrown Commercial and reputable roofing company Swindells Roofing have previously worked together on projects to design, develop and install BIPV installations for notable house building brands David Wilson Homes and Countryside Properties. They are now collaborating on a new initiative in response to the experiences of site managers and customers with BIPV service issues.
BIPV installations and warranties
Although the systems, methods and technologies of BIPV installations are tried and tested, logistical concerns and practical challenges of installations have caused issues for housebuilders. When there is a combination of contractors on a BIPV installation they need to determine who is responsible for what. Who should the housebuilder turn to if there is a problem: the PV supplier or the roofing company?
Where do housebuilders go for assistance with a BIPV installation?
As a housebuilder where does your solar PV, roofing and electrics warranties begin and end?
Having split your solar PV design, your roofing works, your solar PV installation and your sealing works among various contractors, who is to blame on a warranty claim? Who do you call to keep your customer happy?
No doubt you’ll be familiar with the reply: “It’s not my fault, I only did the roof/PV panels/electrics!” (delete as applicable).
Typical problems for site co-ordinators include:
- Delays between the roof being ready and the PV installer arriving on site
- PV installers turning up to site on time but the roof isn’t ready so they go straight to another job
- Contractors telling you they don’t have any paperwork for a handover, but it’s not their job to get hold of it
- Electricians arriving without suitable materials
- Scaffolding being left up when it should have been removed days ago.
The Solarcrown Commercial and Swindells Roofing Solution
By collaborating as one point of contact for BIPV installations, Solarcrown Commercial and Swindells Roofing can provide all the expertise and assistance a housebuilder or site manager needs.
Together the two companies offer a comprehensive range of services:
- PV and roof design
- Materials procurement, co-ordination and delivery
- Installation planning
- Roofing/PV/electrical services from skilled trades who work together
- One point of contact and responsibility
There are no delays in waiting for other contractors to come to site, all paperwork is professionally prepared and processed, and all aspects of the installation are completed on time.
Solarcrown Commercial and Swindells Roofing combine to answer all BIPV problems.
Can Solarcrown Commercial and Swindells Roofing assist with your BIPV project?
Contact Solarcrown Commercial or Swindells Roofing to find out more about this new initiative and how they can assist with your BIPV installation.